Australian Bureau of Statistics
Celebrating the International Year of Statistics 2013

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6. In Australia during the late 1960s, the then Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics drew together the several distinct industrial classifications it had been using to produce the first ASIC. The original 1969 edition of the ASIC was based at the broader levels on the ISIC, with some modification to allow for comparability with previously used classifications. The structure and composition of the finer levels was derived as a result of extensive investigations into the activity mix characteristics of Australian businesses. Revised editions of the classification were released in 1978 and 1983, the latter being a partial revision only.

7. In 1985 a major review of the ASIC commenced. The principal objectives were to improve the alignment with ISIC, to achieve a better balance across the classification by giving more attention to the services sector including segments relating to culture, entertainment and other recreational industries, and to take account of the effects of technological changes and changes in the structure of industry generally since the previous edition.

8. In New Zealand the first NZSIC was based on the 1948 version of ISIC. A second NZSIC was produced in 1970 based on the 1968 ISIC, Revision 2, and in 1975 a third NZSIC was produced with more detailed classification in some areas. An updated edition was produced in 1987 which was also based on the ISIC, Revision 2.

Agreement to develop ANZSIC

9. A succession of economic agreements between Australia and New Zealand have operated since 1922. The most recent of these (the Australia - New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement [CER]) became effective from 1 January 1983.

10. For a number of years Australian and New Zealand statistical agencies have held meetings in order to monitor the progress of the economic relationship and to share experiences and explore common interests. Joint working relationships have been set up to harmonise statistics wherever possible and practicable.

11. The possibility of the two countries developing and using a common industrial classification was raised in 1990. The statistical agencies used similar principles to create their national industrial classifications and were therefore able to agree on the principles and strategy for development of a single classification that met both countries' requirements.

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